I remember the first time I realized the power of well-chosen edging plants. It was like discovering a magic wand for my garden!
Suddenly, my walkways went from mundane to magnificent, and my borders burst with life and color.
Today, I’m excited to share my top 15 picks for edging plants that will make your neighbors stop and stare.
Top 15 Edging Plants for Stunning Borders & Walkways
1. Thrift (Armeria maritima)
Characteristics and Appeal
Thrift, also known as sea pink, has stolen my heart with its adorable pink pom-pom flowers. These perky blooms dance above grassy foliage from late spring to early summer, creating a charming border that never fails to make me smile.
Growing Conditions and Care
I’ve found thrift to be incredibly forgiving. It thrives in full sun and, once established, laughs in the face of drought. Perfect for gardeners like me who occasionally forget to water!
2. Dianthus
Varieties and Color Options
The range of colors in dianthus is mind-boggling. From soft pinks to deep reds, there’s a shade for every garden palette. I particularly love the ‘Firewitch’ variety for its vibrant magenta blooms.
Fragrance and Pollinator Attraction
The sweet, clove-like scent of dianthus is intoxicating. I’ve planted some near my patio, and the fragrance on warm evenings is simply divine. Plus, the butterflies it attracts are an added bonus!
3. Mophead Hydrangea
Size and Visual Impact
For a real “wow” factor, mophead hydrangeas are hard to beat. I use them to create natural “walls” in my garden, separating different areas with their lush foliage and enormous blooms.
Ideal Growing Conditions
These beauties prefer partial shade and consistent moisture. I’ve learned (the hard way) that mulching helps keep their roots cool and moist during hot summers.
4. Ferns
Varieties Suitable for Edging
Ferns add a touch of woodland magic to any border. My personal favorite is the Japanese Painted Fern, with its silvery fronds that seem to glow in shaded areas.
Best Locations and Care Tips
I’ve had great success pairing ferns with hostas in the shadier parts of my garden. They thrive in moist, rich soil and add a soft, feathery texture to the landscape.
5. Dahlias
Diversity in Size, Shape, and Color
The sheer variety of dahlias never ceases to amaze me. From tiny pompoms to dinner plate-sized blooms, there’s a dahlia for every garden style.
Overwintering Tips for Cooler Climates
Living in a cooler climate, I’ve become a pro at overwintering dahlias. Digging up the tubers after the first frost and storing them in slightly damp peat moss has saved my precious plants year after year.
6. Hostas
Foliage Varieties and Colors
Hostas are my go-to for shaded borders. The variety of leaf colors and textures available is staggering. My current obsession is the miniature ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ – it’s just too cute!
Shade Tolerance and Maintenance
These plants are virtually indestructible in the right conditions. I’ve found that dividing them every few years keeps them vigorous and allows me to spread their beauty throughout my garden.
7. Lavender
Aromatic Benefits and Visual Appeal
There’s nothing quite like the scent of lavender on a warm summer day. I’ve lined my front walkway with it, and the fragrance welcomes visitors before they even reach the door.
Growing Requirements and Uses
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. I’ve learned to prune it back after flowering to keep it compact and encourage bushier growth.
8. Creeping Thyme
Ground Cover Properties
Creeping thyme has been a game-changer for the spaces between my stepping stones. It forms a dense, aromatic carpet that can withstand light foot traffic.
Aromatic and Practical Benefits
The scent released when you walk on creeping thyme is heavenly. Plus, its drought tolerance makes it perfect for those hot, dry areas of the garden.
9. Begonias
Adaptability and Variety
Begonias have been my secret weapon for adding color to partially shaded borders. The ‘Dragon Wing’ variety, in particular, has been a standout performer in my garden.
Sun and Heat Tolerance Considerations
I’ve found that begonias with darker leaves tend to handle heat better. In my hottest spots, I make sure to provide consistent moisture and a bit of afternoon shade.
10. Liriope
Appearance and Late-Season Blooming
Liriope, with its grass-like foliage and late-summer blooms, has become a staple in my garden design. It provides structure when other plants are fading.
Erosion Control Benefits
On a sloped area of my property, liriope has been invaluable for stabilizing the soil. Its deep root system holds everything in place beautifully.
11. Daylilies
Continuous Foliage and Blooming Cycle
Daylilies are the workhorses of my garden edges. Their strappy foliage looks great all season, and by planting early, mid, and late-blooming varieties, I enjoy flowers for months.
Variety Selection for Extended Color
I love mixing different daylily colors for a vibrant, ever-changing display. The reblooming varieties have been particularly rewarding, offering multiple flowering periods.
12. Creeping Juniper
Evergreen Ground Cover Properties
For year-round interest, creeping juniper is hard to beat. I use it on slopes and in rockeries where its spreading habit helps suppress weeds and prevent erosion.
Low-Maintenance Benefits
Once established, my creeping junipers have been virtually maintenance-free. They’re a lifesaver for those tricky spots where other plants struggle.
13. Alyssum
Color Options and Growth Habits
Alyssum creates the most delightful frothy edges to borders and paths. I love the way it self-seeds, filling in gaps and softening hard edges naturally.
Pollinator Attraction and Fragrance
The sweet honey scent of alyssum is a magnet for bees. Planting it near my vegetable garden has noticeably improved pollination.
14. Ilex (Holly)
Evergreen Varieties for Year-Round Interest
Dwarf holly varieties have become my go-to for adding structure to borders year-round. The glossy leaves and bright berries provide winter interest when other plants have gone dormant.
Formal Hedging and Natural Barrier Uses
I’ve used holly to create low, formal hedges that define different garden rooms. Its dense growth makes it perfect for creating natural barriers.
15. Boxwood
Formal Shaping and Design Versatility
Boxwood is my choice for creating clean, crisp lines in the garden. I love shaping it into balls and cones for a touch of formality.
Growing Conditions and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps my boxwoods looking their best. In winter, I protect them from harsh winds to prevent winter burn.
Wrapping Up
The right edging plants can completely transform a garden. I’ve seen my own outdoor spaces evolve from bland to beautiful with thoughtful border plantings.